Actinomycetes: Natural Biofactories for Antimicrobial and Antitumor Compounds: A Review

Actinomycetes are spore-forming filamentous, saprophytic bacteria that have capacity to generate a wide range of antimicrobial compounds. It has been documented that actinomycetes have generated over twenty thousand secondary metabolites, some of which are of great value in animal medicine, agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals. These bacteria are widely distributed across diverse ecosystems and can thrive in various environmental conditions. Actinomycetes have been categorized into various distinct genera based on their chemical and morphological characteristic. Given this metabolic diversity, the bioactivity and the antimicrobial potential of the secondary metabolites produced by actinomycetes present a promising solution to the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance. This review highlights the extensive diversity of secondary metabolites produced by actinomycetes strains, emphasizing their biological activities and ecological origins.